PROGRAM: Dr. John Knapp

To start Dr. Knapp explained that in 2009 the number of high school graduates peeked but since then the number has steadily declined nationally. During this time frame the number of high school graduates has increased which seems to be a contradiction of statements but it is a fact. This phenomenon is caused by the decrease in number of births. This fact is especially important to college enrollment especially to smaller private institutions such as W&J. As such W&J must plan to offer the best to accomplish the goals of those students enrolled.

The demographics of the 18 and under population will be a minority/majority and colleges must be prepared in recruiting students and to that end an 18 month Strategic Planning Project is being launched to study not only the offerings of the college but the marketing plans to attract students to enroll at W&J.

Some advantages W&J has to attract enrollment are a strong faculty, a strong alumni that gives back to the school, and efforts to keep the tuition costs within reach.

This past year a campaign was launched to raise $100 million dollars to increase endowments and the campaign exceeded that goal.

Areas of student interest are changing with business professions and health professions among the most popular.

W&J has always maintained a solid reputation in the health professions (pre-med and pre-dental) and now is collaborating with West Virginia University to offer a joint 5 year program in Biostatistics with students spending 3 years at W&J and 2 years a WVU. This will no doubt draw more students and increase the enrollment that is a solid 1300 with a dedicated professional faculty of 130.

A production Q&A followed and at the end all former W&J students in the audience had an opportunity to have a picture taken with Dr. Knapp.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Print of Park Pavilion done by James Sulkowski was matted and framed by Countryside Frame and was available for everyone to see. The framing was a donation from George Moore. This will be available for display at Trivia Night.

Kathy Sabol announced 42 teams as of today’s meeting. More are welcome and there is always a need for more volunteers and oh yes, BASKETS are always welcome and a hit with those in attendance.

China Little Flower raffle had no lottery winners for February 20 and 21. Ticket stubs will be drawn at the next meeting to determine winners of the final 2 “gifts”.

GLAD WE HAD SUCH A GREAT ATTENDANCE THIS WEEK AND HOPE THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE IN WEEKS TO COME

Afterthought

THE MAN IN THE ARENA

Excerpt from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic” by Theodore Roosevelt, delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on 23 April, 1910

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.